The Mountain Air

Related:	outdoor gear exchange reviews
Category:	Outdoor Sports Store
Address:	667 Marsh St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Phone:	+1 805-543-1676
Site:	themountainair.com
Rating:	4.5
Working:	10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 11AM–4PM

Location

Photos 53

Reviews 12

Mimi Wagner

I’d like to share an amazing shopping experience I just had at The Mountain Air shop in San Luis Obispo, California. I bought my pack and other equipment for a 600 mile trek of El Camino de Compostela in Spain (Northern Route) from The Mountain Air store. After listening to my specific needs and accessing my body type and fitness level (57 year old sedentary grandma, non-hiker), they enthusiastically offered their bountiful expertise and suggestions as to what equipment to consider and purchase. They spend a lot of time with me during multiple visits. As a novice I had no opinion or experience with hiking equipment. Once on the trail, I so appreciated that my pack had been fitted to my specific body by the experts at The Mountain Air! After intimately living with my backpack for 5 weeks and seeing a wide variety of other packs on the trail, I developed strong opinions about which features the ‘perfect backpack’ for me would have. Although the quality and comfort of the pack I purchased were unsurpassed, there were features I would prefer for future hiking trips. With this in mind, and not recalling the return policy, I visited The Mountain Air store a year after the original purchase and without the receipt to inquiry. Josh, the owner, pointed out that my seasoned pack showed wear. He also expressed that it was very important to him that I (and all his customers) be happy with my equipment and offered an ungraded backpack in exchange for my used pack. I just needed to pay the difference. Victoria, an associate that helped me with my first pack a year earlier, patiently set about to find and fit me with a new pack that included all the features I was looking for! Such an amazing shopping experience! I trust and highly recommend The Mountain Air shop in San Luis Obispo, California (hiking, skiing, climbing, snowboarding, backpacking, travel, camping gear and more).

Cameron Wright

Ive been going here for years, but not anymore. Super expensive--check the local Army Surplus store first. This is a great store to get your last minute summer backpacking needs or if youre just starting out and need some direction. Be warned though, some of the new hires push the black line to the detriment of their customers. I was pissed when I came in for a snow camping trip looking for a specific piece of gear (which Mountain Air sports didnt have--thats fine) and the inexperienced staffer was trying to push a subpar product onto me. THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS IF YOURE IN A WINTER ENVIRONMENT BECAUSE YOUR GEAR IS YOUR LIFE. THE GUY HAD NEVER EVEN BEEN SNOW CAMPING, BUT DIDNT WANT TO OWN UP TO IT WHEN I ASKED HIM ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCE--that wasnt my final straw though--I still gave the store a chance. The managers and owners and some of the long-time staff are very qualified--go to them for questions. That being said, last time I went in some staffers said something rude about me that crossed racial lines and I overheard... Ive literally spent all of my spending money at this store and am a regular, or rather I used to be. Without getting into too much detail because this is a public forum, it was quite disheartening when I heard these comments. Thats the straw that broke the camels back. Will tell family to avoid in the future and anyone who will listen. (Full disclosure, I applied here for a job and didnt get it; but thats all water under the bridge--Im leaving this review for many other reasons).

Maureen Clark

I must say, These guys are pretty AMAZING! I went in to Mountain Air in SLO 2 weeks ago to just inquire about a Pelican Cooler for camping and ended up buying a very cool Thule Sonic Air cargo carrier from them. I couldnt believe the fast, & courteous service I experienced. They even installed it in 30 minutes! Free of charge. I would also like to add that 3 men, (One being the owner, Wayne?) were all working together, making my experience a real treat. This place is now my "Go To" for everything I need in the line of outdoor gear. 5 Stars for you guys! Keep up the good work !

A Private User

Every time I walk in, even if just to look at the new gear I am always asked at least three or four times if I need any help, have any questions, want to try something on, need to be sized for a pack... It was almost comical how many different employees offered to help us. I love having access to some of the best outdoor gear without having to drive to a different town. Having already spent at least $800 at this store, I will gladly continue to support Mountain Air Sports with all of my outdoor needs! OH!!! and they accept AMEX!! I LOVE THIS STORE!

A Private User

Ive always had a good experience at Mountain Air Sports. I went in to buy approach shoes and the guy helping me steered me away from a less expensive pair, saying that they were often returned only months after purchase because theyre already coming apart. I bought a pair of La Sportivas instead (theyve been excellent) and subsequently heard from other climbers that the shoes hed steered me away from are in fact terrible shoes. The staff is also knowledgeable about climbing and hiking destinations, how to get there, what to bring...

A Private User

Products and selection are good, particularly given that its a relatively small store. I like having a place to buy equipment in town, so I try to support this business. The customer service has been inconsistent, in my experience. I was in the store on Christmas eve and, after standing in front of the counter for a minute or so, I had to interrupt an employee who was busy texting on his phone. Hopefully he was temporary staff for the holidays. Maybe the sales staff needs better training and/or supervision.

Clay Yeaton

Very nice store. As a avid outdoorsman I appreciated this place with the their quantity of outdoor gear. The sales people were very friendly and was always asking if I needed help. I asked about certain backpack and they employee new everything about it and what other options there were in a similar category.

Ryan Whiteside

I love Mountain Air Sports! Very helpful employees, great help on item selection, and a great selection as well. In fact, on several purchases I have made here, they gave me one of my items for free! I have been going to this store for over 5 years, since my first backpacking trip to Big Sur!

Thomas Jenkins

As always, for the past 25+ years; Wayne and crew are the best. Why would anyone shop at a big retail store when you can go to a locally owned and operated store with comparable prices. Actually, comparable prices with TEN times the service.... Thanks Mountain Air

A Private User

Amazing Customer Service!!! It is now my go to shop for any climbing, camping or hiking I do during the summer. They will go out of the way to help you with anything you need. I really appreciated the help they offered with new gear I wanted to try.

Dexter Nelson

Ask for Liz! Shes friendly, knowledgeable, used most of the gear in the shop personally. Tell her Octane sent you =) . Crazy wide variety for how small it is. Ask them what in house services they provide...youd be surprised.

Thor Larsen

A fantastic local outdoor establishment with top-quality brands. It is certainly my go-to shop when I need high quality gear, or have specific questions that I know their well trained staff can and will happily answer.